Daisy’s Dream Gains Support After BBC Children in Need Feature

Daisy’s Dream, a charity dedicated to supporting children and young people through grief and bereavement, has experienced a significant surge in public support following its feature on the BBC’s Children in Need programme. The segment aired on November 17, 2023, and showcased the positive impact the charity has on young people in West Berkshire.

The film highlighted the experiences of five young individuals who have lost a sibling and participated in the SAFE sibling group, designed for those grieving the death of a brother or sister. The acronym SAFE stands for Sharing, Acceptance, Friendship, and Empathy, encapsulating the group’s mission. During the programme, participants candidly shared their feelings of loss, describing grief as both heavy and overwhelming, while emphasizing the importance of support and understanding in their healing process.

Laura Lewis, chief executive of Daisy’s Dream, expressed her gratitude for the exposure. “Having the amazing work our SAFE group does with bereaved siblings featured on Children in Need was just so lovely to see,” she said. Lewis continued, “The young people were incredibly brave in sharing their stories, and we are all so proud of them. We hope that by having this group highlighted on such a profile show it will help other children and young people who are grieving the loss of a brother or sister.”

The charity operates without charge, assisting approximately 700 children and 800 adults each year as they navigate the complexities of grief. Therapeutic practitioner Claire, who was also part of the filming, shared her reflections on the day. “Myself, Philippa and Wendy are incredibly proud of all the young people who took part in our special film for Children in Need,” Claire said. “They were so brave, talking about their brothers and sisters and describing how hard their grief feels. We thought they were amazing.”

Since the programme aired, Daisy’s Dream has received numerous heartfelt messages on social media and through its website. One comment stood out: “I know how it feels to lose a family member as a child. I wish I had a charity like this to help me.” This response underscores the vital role that Daisy’s Dream plays in the community.

As the charity continues its work, the attention from the BBC feature not only raises awareness about its services but also reinforces the importance of supporting children during some of their most challenging times. The hope is that increased visibility will lead to further opportunities for outreach and support, ensuring that no child faces the pain of loss alone.